Swiveling Boom Ammunition Magazine Loading Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition reloading systems for large-caliber weapon systems face challenges in efficiently moving heavy ammunition bodies from transport pallets to storage positions due to height differences, leading to ergonomic issues and exposing reloading devices to weather and contamination, especially in combat environments.
Innovation Solution
A swivel arm with a parallelogram linkage and articulated ammunition receptacle is used to move ammunition bodies from a lower receiving position to a higher storage position, maintaining vertical alignment and allowing for compact, quick stowage and protection within the ammunition depot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conveyor-chain-like structures are used to lift ammunition, then operator effort is minimized, but device complexity and vulnerability to environmental factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically movable boom structure that can pivot between a loading position extending through the ammunition hatch and a stowed position within the magazine. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its structure based on operational needs, reducing complexity when not in use while maintaining lifting capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The reloading device is segmented into distinct functional components: a boom structure for lifting, an articulating arm for positioning, and a receptacle for holding ammunition. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy stowage by returning segments to their respective positions within the magazine.
2Productivity
If conveyor-chain-like structures remain outside the ammunition hatch, then reloading function is maintained, but reliability decreases due to exposure to weather and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure is designed to dynamically transition between an extended loading position (when reloading is active) and a retracted stowed position (when reloading is complete). This dynamic positioning ensures the device remains protected within the magazine during storage, maintaining reliability while preserving full functionality when needed.
3Device complexity
If manual lifting is used to overcome height difference, then device complexity is reduced, but operator effort and ergonomic issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure utilizes gravity and its own mechanical advantage to perform the lifting action. By pivoting the boom from a lower to higher position, the system leverages gravitational forces and mechanical leverage to move ammunition with minimal external energy input, effectively making the system self-serving rather than requiring complex powered mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If heavy ammunition is moved manually through height difference, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating arm and boom structure work together to automatically position and transfer ammunition from the loading position to the magazine storage position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual carrying and placement operations, significantly reducing the time required for reloading while maintaining simple mechanical construction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces operator effort, minimizes device vulnerability, and ensures the ammunition device is protected from environmental factors by allowing for efficient and safe reloading while being compact and easily stowed after use.
Implementation Method 1
move the ammunition receptacle (3), and with it the ammunition body (9), against the force of gravity from its receiving position into a storage position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for loading an ammunition magazine (1) via an ammunition hatch (10) with an ammunition receptacle (3) for receiving an ammunition body (9), which can be moved from a receiving position outside of the ammunition magazine (1) along a lifting path into a storage position at a higher level in the area of the ammunition hatch (10). The ammunition receptacle (3) can be moved by means of a pivoting boom (4) along the lifting path. A further subject matter of the invention relates to an ammunition magazine with an ammunition hatch (10) and a device (2) for loading an ammunition magazine (1) via the ammunition hatch (10), the loading device (2) being designed in the manner as described above. A further subject matter of the invention relates to a method for loading an ammunition magazine (1).